In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
When the high pressure areas move south from our latitudes, some bikers say goodbye to their favourite hobby. But there are good reasons not to banish your e-MTB to the cellar even when the golden colours of autumn have faded and the puddles fill up with water. What does a bit of dirt matter if it can be washed off? What does the cold matter if you don't let it get to you? Puddles then become splashy fun, slippery roots become a technical riding challenge, rain and storms become an adventure. The right equipment is important: clothing that keeps you warm and dry; tyre treads that bite into slippery trails; good lighting that shows you the way home if the tour takes too long - because you don't want the fun to end. In short: With these 20 parts keep you warm, dry and safe through the dingy season.
1 Northwave X-Celsius Arctic GTX winter shoes
The Northwave was the secret favourite of the testers in our last winter shoe test, not least because of its great fit. Other candidates with even better weather protection scored even more points, but as an all-rounder the Northwave is hard to beat: warm, waterproof and comfortable, and on rough descents the foot sits well in the bed. A guarantee for a good mood in bad weather and ten degrees downwards. Not cheap, but a good investment to extend the season.
- Price: 249,99 Euro
- Weight: 1102 grams (pair)
2 Overtrousers C5 Gore-Tex Packlite Trail
Lighter than a bicycle inner tube and similarly compact when folded. Nevertheless, the Gore overtrousers reliably keep water out thanks to the membrane, but not your own sweat inside. The trail fit is also impressive. A classy piece for nasty weather.
- Price: 199,95 Euro
- Weight: 172 grammes
3 Vaude Yaras bike jacket
As a 2.5-layer jacket with a wider cut, the Yaras is not only suitable for trail bikers but is also a good all-rounder. The weather protection is excellent and the ventilation slits ensure a good body climate. Reflective stripes are inconspicuously attached, but present. Only the pack size of around two litres could be a little better, but the Vaude Yaras scores eco points thanks to its sustainable production and offers good value for money. Also available with a removable Primaloft inner jacket for really cold days.
- Price: 170 Euro
- Weight: 385 grammes
4 Scott Neoprene Glove
With a lined upper side but unlined inside, the Neoprene Glove from Scott does not compromise on grip and still keeps your hands reliably warm on not too cold days.
- Price: 34,95 Euro
5 Helmet cap Vaude Windproof Cap III
There is a large selection of helmet caps. The Vaude is completely windproof and therefore ideal for fast rides and icy gusts. It whistles a little at the ears, but everything stays warm and dry.
- Price: 25 Euro >> available from Rose
- Weight: 30 grammes
6 Waterproof socks from Sealskinz
Tip from Scotland: Waterproof socks help even when your shoes are already wet. These models from Sealskinz reliably prevent water ingress, while merino provides a cosy feeling on the inside. However, you shouldn't overestimate socks: once the outside is
Once the outside is wet, even dry feet will be cool on the inside.
- Price: 35 Euro >> available from Rose
"Even the best clothes are of little help against bad weather if they are not cared for. So after washing, reactivate the weather protection according to the manufacturer's instructions. If water no longer runs off, you have to re-waterproof." - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
7 Lamp Supernova M99 Pro and TL3 Pro
The luxury light for the way home. The Supernova M99 Pro shows what is currently possible with a fixed light with a K number. The high beam turns night into day with up to 3000 lumens, the TL3 Pro rear light signals braking and even has a signal for emergency braking.
- Prices: 449 and 79 euros
- Weights: 190 and 40 grams
8 Sidas Winter 3D Merino insoles
These insoles help against slightly cold feet. An aluminium layer at the bottom and a merino top layer provide insulation and better foot support. A hot tip, especially for cold cleats.
Price: 39.99 euros >> e.g. available at Intersport
"It's unbelievable what two warm and dry feet can do for your motivation when biking. Winter shoes for bikes are therefore the most underrated item of clothing of all. If you donʼt believe it: try them out!" - Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor
9 Endura MT500 Spray Pant rain trousers
Another good idea from Scotland: the tried and tested MT500 spray trousers come with a waterproof seat area and back, but breathe at the front. This keeps the inner trousers dry even when the rear wheel gets wet, yet you hardly sweat at all even on warmer, bad weather days. Runs quite large.
- Price: 149.95 euros >> e.g. available at Alltricks
- Weight: 387 grammes
10 Bliz Fusion glasses
It fits well, keeps out wind and dirt and does not obstruct vision. The clear accessory lens is also scratch-resistant, and the price of 22 euros is as fair as the goggles themselves.
- Price: 99,95 Euro >> at Bergzeit available
- Weight: 30 grammes
11 Sigma Aura 100 and Blaze Link lamp
If you don't want to screw a fixed light to your bike, the battery light combination from Sigma is a good alternative. The STVZO approval pleases the law enforcement officer, with 100 lux the front light is still quite bright. The rear light switches on with the front light and has a brake light function - despite the favourable price.
- Price: 99,95 Euro >> available at Amazon
- Weights: 121 and 22 grams
12 Monkey Link light set
Do you want the light to be supplied with power from the bike battery and still remain detachable? This is possible with the bracket from Monkey Link. It can be connected to the light port of the motor and the lights are simply clipped on. There is now also a selection of matching lights. We think so: A lamp with high beam for the front is a must. The ML Skye Light Connect is one of the cheaper options and offers a solid high beam with 150 lux. The set usually costs a good 200 euros. However, if you prefer, you can also fit simpler lights or opt for premium spotlights à la Lupine or Supernova.
- Price: 214,90 Euro
- Weight: 206 grammes
13 Litemove AEW-230 lamp
A permanently mounted lamp with STVZO approval, plenty of power and high beam that doesn't cost 300 euros? The AEW-230 from Litemove is the price-performance tip. It offers a high beam of a full 230 lux, but is often available for well under 200 euros, in contrast to the RRP.
- Price: 219,95 Euro >> at Available on Amazon
- Weight: 165 grammes
14 Sonax BIKE Cleaner
The test winner in the last cleaner test of our sister magazine BIKE is a cleaner for tough cases. It removes even stubborn dirt with ease and doesn't even need to be left on for very long. It is also expressly approved for e-bikes, but the dirt remover is not explicitly environmentally friendly.
- Price: 12,99 Euro >> available at Amazon
- Volume: 750 millilitres
15 Maxxis Shorty tyres
It's not just riding technique pro Stefan Herrmann who swears by the new Shorty. The open profile bites into bends like a charm. Even in slippery conditions. Nevertheless, the tyre does not become soft or undefined in dry conditions. In short: the perfect all-rounder when it gets wet and muddy more often.
- Price: 74,90 Euro >> available at Alltricks
- Weight: 995 grammes
"Especially on wet roots: stay relaxed, don't hold the handlebars too tightly. Even smiling helps. Then the front wheel will find the right path all by itself. Flat pedals are helpful, low air pressure is a must." - Stefan Herrmann, E-MTB riding technique trainer
16 Waterproofing spray Fibertec Textile Guard Eco RT
If water no longer beads up on clothing or penetrates leaking membranes, it's time for a new waterproofing treatment. The waterproofing spray from Fibertec is a good option: environmentally friendly because it is PFC-free, yet highly functional.
- Price: 15,95 Euro >> available at Bergzeit
- Volume: 500 millilitres
17 Tunap chain oil Ultimate
Low dirt adhesion, low coefficient of friction and good protection against corrosion. In the last laboratory test, the expensive Tunap chain oil was convincing. In practice
the good dosage - so hardly any lubricant ends up on the rim and tyres. Does not wash off immediately even with a little splash water, so it is also a tip for less dry weather.
- Price: 15,95 Euro
- Volume: 100 millilitres
18 Bike cleaner Peatyʼs Loam Foam
A bike cleaner from downhill star Steve Peat. The litre bottle from Peatyʼs care brand is relatively inexpensive and also environmentally friendly. A good compromise for everyday cleaning with a good eco-conscience.
- Price: 12,99 Euro
- Volume: 1000 millilitres
"After muddy rides, the bike needs some care. This prevents wear and tear. The coarse dirt is removed with a garden hose. Cleaner and a brush do the fine work. Then pull the chain through an old cloth and oil it sparingly." - Mike Schinke, EMTB mechanic
19 Bike rack Thule Tour Rack
The Tour Rack from Thule is no bargain, but in past tests it has proved to be the stiffest of the full-size universal racks. Unfortunately, panniers only fit perfectly with additional, expensive accessories. You have to take your time when mounting and dismounting. Although the Tour Rack is not compatible with mudguards, it does offer a certain amount of protection against mud.
- Price: 109,95 Euro >> available at Amazon
- Weight: 1100 grammes
20 Mudguards Crud XL Fender
The front mudguard in particular offers a high level of protection and is still quick to fit and remove. The brake hose of the Fox 34 does require a little help with the cutter to get it to fit. Nevertheless, it is one of the best mudguards on the market.
- Prices: 34.99 and 24.99 euros >> at Available on Amazon
